Category Engagement Initiatives Show all
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Open House Recap: Thank you for joining us!
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On March 12, 2025, we hosted a community open house for the Dawson Creek & District Hospital (DCDH) Replacement Project, welcoming over 50 enthusiastic community members who were interested in learning about the exciting developments of the new hospital. The event was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to connect with project team representatives, ask questions, and share their thoughts on the future of health care in our region.
The President of Métis Nation BC(External link), Walter Mineault, kicked off the event with inspiring opening remarks. He expressed excitement for the new hospital and emphasized its crucial role in serving our community and attracting health care professionals to the region. His words resonated deeply with everyone present, setting a positive tone for the evening.
Throughout the evening, the room buzzed with meaningful conversations. Attendees engaged with project team representatives, discussing various aspects of the new hospital, and sharing their hopes and expectations. The sense of community and collaboration was noticeable, making the event truly memorable.
We also encouraged attendees to share their thoughts and input about the new hospital with us. Here are the common themes from the engagement boards:
What services/features are most important to you in the new hospital?
The most important services and features highlighted include adequate staffing, which was the most frequently mentioned. Many emphasized the need for enough staff to keep the emergency department open 24 hours a day and to have more doctors available. The importance of a fully functional emergency department was also stressed, along with the need for an ambulance bay capable of handling multiple ambulances at once. Supportive services and programs for mental health and addictions were commonly mentioned, as well as the necessity of having medical imaging to avoid costly private services. Additionally, advocacy for patients who need to travel for care to other communities was another recurring theme.
What is one word to describe how you want the new hospital to look and feel?
Community members want the new hospital to have a modern appearance and a welcoming atmosphere. The need for state-of-the-art facilities was frequently mentioned, along with the importance of having well-marked directions to various departments.
How will the new hospital benefit the community?
The new hospital is expected to provide significant benefits to the community. Many community members highlighted the importance of single-occupancy rooms for improved patient care. The need for more space and beds was frequently mentioned, along with the expectation that the new hospital will help recruit and retain medical staff, indicating its importance to the community.
What are you most excited about with the new hospital?
Community members are most excited about the state-of-the-art medical equipment that the new hospital will have. The prospect of having more doctors who will stay in the community was another common theme. Increased bed capacity and the availability of more medical imaging devices were frequently mentioned. Additionally, there was excitement about not having to travel to Fort St. John for services.
We were also thrilled to have generous door prizes donated by local businesses, including Deep Physio, True North Fitness, South Peace Chiropractic, Dawson Creek Golf & Country Club, City of Dawson Creek, and Dawson Creek Health Food Centre. These contributions added a special touch to the event, and many attendees left with wonderful prizes.In addition, the DCDH Foundation(External link) launched a new raffle and the DCDH Auxiliary(External link) launched a new fundraising campaign.
The DCDH Foundation’s "Gift of Flight Raffle” offers a chance to win a roundtrip flight for two to any regularly scheduled WestJet destination. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit https://dchospitalfoundation.rafflenexus.com(External link).
The DCDH Auxiliary’s “Sock It Away” campaign is for the purchase of a Tovertafel machine for Rotary Manor. The Tovertafel is a projector that provides a variety of interactive games designed to improve the quality of life for dementia patients. They are fundraising for $19,500 for each machine. As a small group of dedicated volunteers, each and every donation is greatly appreciated. To learn more, visit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078961200394(External link)
We are incredibly thankful to everyone who took the time to attend and contribute to the success of the Open House. Your support and enthusiasm are invaluable as we move forward with this important project.
Stay tuned for future events, as we hope to host another open house next year! We look forward to continuing this journey together and making a positive impact on health care in our community.
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Exploring Health Care Careers: 2025 Adventures in Health Care Program
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Members from the DCDH Project Team had the privilege of participating in the 2025 Adventures in Health Care program in Dawson Creek on March 11, 2025.
The Adventures in Health Care program is an initiative designed to introduce high school students to a variety of health care careers and pathways. The program, which engages students through hands-on activities, workshops, and interactions with professionals, aims to inspire the next generation of health care workers.
During the program, 36 students in Grades 10 and 11 from Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, and Tumbler Ridge had the opportunity to learn about the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital project. They met with our project team members and heard firsthand about our career journeys in health care. This interaction provided valuable insights into the diverse roles and responsibilities within the health care sector.
One of the highlights of our involvement was an interactive activity where we divided the students into groups and rotated through various stations. Each station featured prompting questions designed to spark discussion and reflection.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the students' responses:
What qualities make a great health care team?
- Communication: Emphasized repeatedly as good communication is crucial for effective teamwork.
- Teamwork: Highlighted as essential for collaboration and achieving common goals.
- Empathy and Compassion: Important for understanding and caring for patients' needs.
- Patience and Resilience: Necessary for handling stressful situations and maintaining perseverance.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Vital for making informed decisions and finding solutions.
- Leadership and Accountability: Key for guiding teams and taking responsibility.
- Continuous Learning and Growth Mindset: Important for staying updated with new knowledge and technologies.
- Positivity and Motivation: Essential for maintaining a positive work environment and encouraging others.
- Technical Skills and Knowledge: Required for performing tasks efficiently and effectively.
- Adaptability and Open-mindedness: Important for adjusting to new situations and embracing diverse perspectives.
What excites you about working in the new hospital once it’s complete?
- New Technology and Equipment: Enthusiasm for using advanced tools and machines.
- Improved Work Environment: Anticipation of a modern, spacious, and well-designed facility.
- Better Patient Care: Expectation of enhanced resources and spaces to provide superior care.
- Opportunities for Research and Learning: Excitement about exploring new topics and discovering innovations.
- Positive Atmosphere: Looking forward to a more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment.
- Increased Job Opportunities: Hope for more roles and career growth within the new hospital.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Desire for better connections between departments and teamwork.
- Modern Infrastructure: Appreciation for the updated layout and functionality of the new hospital.
What area of health care are you interested in?
- Nursing: Various specializations including pediatric, neonatal, travel, and operating room nursing.
- Medical Specialties: Interests in fields like anesthesiology, dermatology, cardiology, and radiology.
- Mental Health: Focus on roles such as psychologists, mental health clinicians, and social workers.
- Technical Roles: Interest in positions like lab techs, ultrasound techs, and MRI techs.
- Research and Academia: Aspirations to work in research, medical imaging, and as medical professors.
- Primary Care: Roles such as family doctors and nurse practitioners.
What inspired you to pursue a career in health care?
- Personal Experiences: Many were inspired by family members, personal health struggles, or experiences in hospitals.
- Desire to Help Others: A common motivation to make a difference and support those in need.
- Interest in Science and Medicine: Fascination with the human body, diseases, and medical advancements.
- Influence of Media: Inspiration from TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "The Good Doctor."
- Financial Stability: Recognition of the good pay and job security in the health care field.
- Community Impact: A drive to improve the well-being of their community and contribute positively.
These themes reflect the values, motivations, and aspirations of individuals in the Adventures in Health Care Program. Our team was thrilled to be part of this initiative, helping to guide and inspire the future of health care. We look forward to participating in this event again next year!
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10th annual Deep Physio Summer Solstice Run with the DCDH Foundation
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On Saturday, June 22, Deep Physio(External link) hosted their 10th annual Summer Solstice Run at Walter Wright Pioneer Village. It was a beautiful sunny morning and runners from all over the Peace Country laced up their shoes and gathered to celebrate fitness and giving back to the community.
The Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation(External link) was the recipient of this year’s event and received a generous donation of $5,500 to put towards local health care!
"This event was a major success, and we would like to extend our deepest thanks to Deep Physio for choosing us as the beneficiaries this year. The Deep team executed a fantastic community event, and did a phenomenal job keeping the whole event running smoothly. We appreciate all the volunteers who put in time to ensure our runners had a safe and successful run. And much gratitude to all the community sponsors who donated – it was a fantastic community event that brought so many people together for a meaningful cause. We appreciate everyone!" - Vicki Rose, Executive Director, DCDH Foundation
Read more about the event on the DCDH Foundation’s website – Celebrating Summer Solstice with a RUN! – DC Hospital Foundation(External link)
Interested in making a general donation or becoming a generous monthly donor? You can do so here: General/Monthly Giving(External link)
Interested in providing a gift that keeps on giving? Contact Vicki Rose, Executive Director(External link) about the Endowement Giving Program.
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Showcase at the Northern Health Spring Leadership Forum
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Last week, we had the opportunity to showcase the Dawson Creek & District Hospital, Mills Memorial Hospital and Stuart Lake Hospital Replacement Projects at the annual Northern Health Spring Leadership Forum in Prince George.
This year’s forum brought in over 100 leaders from across the region for two days of education, collaboration, and networking. In addition to the daily sessions, the leaders were also able to experience over 50 demo pods centered around Digital Health, SaferCare, and HealthSpaces.
The new build project booths were featured in the HealthSpaces area and were packed with:
- Exciting information about the projects
- Draft renderings of the new facilities
- Construction progress photos and video walk-throughs
- Sample materials and finishes boards
- Live construction cameras
- Swag and giveaways
- And a 3D printed crane!
Construction on the new Mills Memorial Hospital is almost complete! The new hospital will be open and ready for patients by the end of 2024. Interested in learning more about the project? Visit Let’s Talk MMH.
Construction on the new Stuart Lake Hospital is also well underway! The new hospital will be open and ready for patients in early 2025. Interested in learning more about the project? Visit Let’s Talk SLH.
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Career fair at Dawson Creek Secondary School
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On Wednesday, March 13, School District 59(External link) hosted a career fair at Dawson Creek Secondary School’s (DCSS) South Peace campus. They welcomed 400-600 students in Grades 10-12 to come through the gymnasium to engage with over 25 local organizations.
Northern Health was invited to share information about volunteer opportunities, career paths, and the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital – which is currently under construction just up the street!
It was exciting to hear that a lot of students are interested in pursuing an education or career in health care. Those who weren’t interested in working in the medical/clinical side of the industry were intrigued to hear that there are also non-clinical and support services positions available to support the delivery of health care services.
In addition to employment opportunities with Northern Health, some of the students that are considering a career in the trades industry were interested to learn about the timeline for the construction of the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital – which will be complete in 2027.
In a couple of months, a group of students from School District 59 will be also be participating in the Adventures in Health Care program in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. These students will have the opportunity to tour facilities in the North and South Peace and get a sense of what it's like working for Northern Health.
Throughout the event, we asked DCSS students and staff to submit one word to describe how they want the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital to look and feel. Here's what they told us:
Attended on behalf of Northern Health (pictured in 2nd photo from left to right): Machiel Mostert, Engagement Lead, Volunteer Resources; Ashley Pannozzo, Community Engagement Liaison, DCDH Replacment Project; and Byron Stewart, Northeast Recruitment and Retention Ambassador.
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Education, jobs, and career fair at Saulteau First Nations
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On Tuesday, March 12, Saulteau First Nations(External link) and Muskoti Learning Centre(External link) hosted an education, jobs, and career fair and welcomed local job seekers, band members, and secondary school students from Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge, and Hudson’s Hope.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage with representatives from over 20 organizations to learn about their services, programs, and current or future employment opportunities.
We were honored to be invited to this event to share information and answer questions about:
- Job opportunities and career paths with Northern Health
- The role that Indigenous Health plays in supporting Indigenous patients
- Fun facts about the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital
- Volunteer opportunities in the South Peace region
Those who took some time to stop by the table and speak with us were also able to take a copy of the Grow Our Own booklet, Health Career Access Program (HCAP)(External link) brochure, a volunteer application(External link) form, the DCDH employment flyer, and the DCDH fact sheet.
Attended this event on behalf of Northern Health (pictured from left to right): Logan Ritcher, Indigenous Care Coordinator, Chetwynd Hospital and Health Centre; Ashley Pannozzo, Community Engagement Liaison, DCDH Replacement Project; and Byron Stewart, Northeast Recruitment and Retention Ambassador.
A little bit about Logan and her role as the Indigenous Care Coordinator:
Logan was born and raised in Chetwynd and is a Saulteau First Nations member. She recently graduated from Douglas College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and returned to her hometown to begin working. Being passionate about Indigenous health care, she was hired for the Indigenous Care Coordinator (ICC) position at the Chetwynd Hospital and Health Centre in June 2023.
In her role as the ICC, Logan works with Indigenous clients throughout their health care journey to support and educate them on services and supports that are available. She also works with staff members to incorporate traditional health practices into patient care and into the hospital’s spaces. Bridging the gap between western and traditional medicine is an extremely important aspect of her role.
Logan finds her position with Northern Health Indigenous Health to be extremely rewarding because she is continuously learning about health care and the different aspects of patient care. She’s very excited to see what the future holds for roles similar to hers and how the Indigenous Health team will expand and grow.
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Education and career fair at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School
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On Thursday, February 15, Tumbler Ridge Secondary School (TRSS) hosted an education and career fair for their students in grades 10-12. Approximately 70 students had the opportunity to rotate through the tables and engage with local and regional organizations to learn about career paths and opportunities, current job openings, and education programs.
On behalf of Northern Health, Ashley Pannozzo (DCDH Community Engagement Liaison), Byron Stewart (NE Recruitment & Retention Ambassador), and Machiel Mostert (Engagement Lead, Volunteer Resources) attended the event to share information about careers and volunteer opportunities with Northern Health as well as information about the new hospital being built just up the highway.
Students were able to take a copy of the NH Grow Our Own booklet, Health Career Access Program(External link) brochure, DCDH employment flyer and DCDH quick facts flyer, ask questions and view draft renderings of the new facility.
Several students expressed interest in exploring a career in healthcare and others expressed interest in working in trades with the construction of the new hospital. Overall, everyone was excited to hear about the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital and the benefits it will have on the South Peace region.
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Display at Northern Lights College's Open House
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On Saturday, November 4, Northern Lights College hosted an Open House at their Dawson Creek campus for community members to tour the campus and learn about programs.
Ashley Pannozzo, our Community Engagement Liaison was invited to represent Northern Health and set up a display in the Health Sciences Building. Attendees learned about the DCDH Project, employment opportunities with the current and future hospital, health care career opportunities with Northern Health, pathways into healthcare, and the Grow Our Own program.
The display included the project's fact sheet, employment flyer, draft renderings, sample materials and finishes palettes, and mini shovels!
Did you know? NLC offers a variety of health and human services programs(External link) that could help kickstart your journey in health care.
Interested in starting your journey with Northern Health at the newest hospital in the Northeast? There are a number of employment opportunities that need to be filled at the current and future Dawson Creek & District Hospital. Northern Health is also hiring for other positions in the community and across the region. To see all current job postings and apply online, visit http://jobs.northernhealth.ca/(External link).
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Watch: DCDH Presentation for the Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce(External link)
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Last week, the Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce hosted their first "Mind Your Business" luncheon of the year. Ashley Pannozzo, DCDH Community Engagement Liaison and Dave Corcoran, VP of Health Care for Graham Design Builders shared an update on the project and upcoming businesses and employment opportunities.
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Celebration for staff
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The Project Management Office hosted a celebration for DCDH and Health Unit staff to celebrate the start of construction on the new hospital. Everyone was invited down to meet the project team, view draft renderings of the new hospital, and enjoy cupcakes from Co-op Bakery(External link) and charcuterie boards from beans&barley(External link).
We appreciate all of our staff for the hard work they do on a daily basis and for sharing their thoughts on the project during user consultation meetings. It's important that their voices are heard as we design and construct the new facility that they will eventually work in and provide healthcare services to patients and the community.
Attended on behalf of Northern Health (pictured in 2nd photo from left to right): 
